Run-in period for FIAT engines

The engine as you know has many intricate working parts, some work in tight tolerances, the pistons, cams bearings etc. The run in means that these components should not be overstressed for the first few hundred kms, perhaps for 1st sometimes till second service and oil changes. The whole idea is that the wear and tear damage in the initial stages should be minimized. Once everything "settles" after few hundred or thousand kms the engine could be pushed a bit harder. Initially best to not over-speed it and use proper gears always further reducing undue engine stress.

For a diesel engine, restrict the RPMs to about 2,200 for the first 1,000 km. After that, you can increase the limit to 2,500 - 2,800 RPMs until 1,500 km. Then, gradually increase it to the maximum by 2,500 km. Source- team-bhp.com

Query regarding New Linea 2014 [facelift model] TJet-Emotion:
Linea's manual suggests to press the clutch while starting the car. I checked with one of the service personnel and he wasn't aware of this requirement. He said they generally do this in workshop as sometimes car is in a gear which they forget to check before starting. and so it has chances of hitting the car ahead. I keep the car in neutral gear, press the clutch and then go for the igniton. Please suggest if pressing clutch is required for the reason suggested by the sales person or there's some other reason also which I am not aware of. It would be good to know. Thanks!

Query regarding New Linea 2014 [facelift model] TJet-Emotion:
Linea's manual suggests to press the clutch while starting the car. I checked with one of the service personnel and he wasn't aware of this requirement. He said they generally do this in workshop as sometimes car is in a gear which they forget to check before starting. and so it has chances of hitting the car ahead. I keep the car in neutral gear, press the clutch and then go for the igniton. Please suggest if pressing clutch is required for the reason suggested by the sales person or there's some other reason also which I am not aware of. It would be good to know. Thanks!

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When you press the clutch it disengages the gears, essentially making the car neutral. So either the car is neutral and then you give ignition or press clutch and give ignition. An even better practice over the years is using clutch and brake together and applying ignition. However the ideal practice could be using neutral gear, brake/hand-brake and giving ignition.